What's the weather like in Lake Garda in March?
Temperature
March is a lovely month to visit Lake Garda in Italy as the average temperature is beginning to climb from a chilly 5ºC (41ºF) in February to a more manageable 9ºC (48ºF), and yet the area is still quiet after the winter months so you won't have to deal with too many other tourists.
If you're lucky, this month, you may even enjoy some warmer temperatures too, with average highs reaching 13ºC (55ºF) although, be warned, lows at this time of year can still reach a chilly 4ºC (39ºF). Although these temperatures are lower than the more Mediterranean areas of Italy this month, temperatures around the lake are above those of their northerly neighbours Verona and Milan.
Rainfall
As well as the increased temperatures, this month also sees the lowest average rainfall of the year in the region with just 35mm of rain falling over 10 days, making it a great month for hiking or sightseeing as long as you keep your eyes on the daily forecast to stay up to date with any dips in the temperature. Of course, although this is the driest month on the lake, there is still a 28% chance of rain and a 14% chance of experiencing a cloudy day.
Fog and Wind
Fog can also be a problem, obscuring the stunning views for several hours and this month the chance of fog at the lake is 20%, largely because the wind is low at this time of year with only a 7% chance of experiencing a windy day.
Sunshine Hours
Nevertheless, bear in mind that the hours of daylight are also increasing at this time of year, giving you more opportunities to get out and about making trips across the lake to its various destinations. This month the average daily sunshine hours reach 8 with a 35% chance of a sunny day, so there's plenty of time for sightseeing.
Lake Garda Hotels for March
Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa Resort
It's still a bit too early for sunbathing with the March temperatures around the lake being a little on the chilly side so why not relax with a nice warming thermal spa at Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa Resort in Bardolino. With full spa and treatment rooms you can pamper yourself if the weather's cold outside but if you're lucky enough to get some sunshine, shift from the indoor to the outdoor pool.
Hotel Villa Anthea
If you want to be at the centre of things then Garda is a great place to stay with a network of ferries available from the harbour to destinations across the lake. Stay at the modern family-run Hotel Villa Anthea set in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the harbour with its own bar and breakfast room.
Hotel Nazionale
Desenzano Del Garda is a great base for exploring the region and its recently refurbished Hotel Nazionale, close to the city centre offers a great, comfortable mid-price place to stay. Sport is a big feature of the hotel with mountain bikes available to rent on which to explore the area, there are also golf, horse riding and wind surfing packages organised by the hotel.
Bars and Restaurants
Soak up the local atmosphere and culture at a wine tasting at Villa Calicantus in Bardolino. The estate where the wine tastings are held has a great rustic vibe with wooden tables and chairs and organically grown wine sampled from large oak barrels. You can even buy a few bottles to take home with you.
Serious gourmets should head to Vecchia Malcesine Ristornate in Malcesine where the covered terrace means that even in March you should be able to sit outside and enjoy stunning lake views while you savour the delicious Italian fine-dining menu.
Things to do in Lake Garda in March
Gardaland
March is a great time of year to plan trips which are not wholly dependent on the weather like a visit to Italy's largest theme park Gardaland in Castelnuovo del Garda before the crowds get too big and the queues too long. Rollercoaster rides with names like 'Oblivion' and 'Blue Tornado' should get your pulse racing, while tamer rides and live shows will keep younger children entertained.
San Martino della Battaglia
The striking San Martino della Battaglia in Desnezano del Garda, is a tower built to commemorate the battle of San Martino in 1859. The views from the top of the tower stretch across the southern half of the lake taking in Desenzano, Sirmione, and all the way to Bardolino.
Zeni Wine Museum
Learn more about the local way of life and wine culture of the region at the Zeni in Bardolino. Still a working winery, the Zeni family are proud of their heritage in this wine-growing region along the lake's eastern shores.
Wwwind Square Centre
Embrace the local winds of the lake at Wwwind Square Centre at Malcesine which offers all kinds of wind powered water sports from sailing and windsurfing to the high octane kite surfing. The centre offers training for all levels so whether you're a beginner wanting to try for the first time or an old hand looking for a new challenge, this is definitely worth checking out.
